“I’m now moving”: SA concerned as SARS hunts down South Africans with debts as small as r5,000

• SARS commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu announced that the tax authority is now pursuing small debts from ordinary taxpayers
• South Africans with outstanding tax debt are receiving final warning letters giving them just 10 days to pay or respond
• The crackdown has sparked heated debate online, with many calling on SARS to go after politicians and foreign shop owners first

SARS is no longer reserving its debt collection efforts for wealthy taxpayers. The South African Revenue Service has begun pursuing ordinary citizens over amounts as low as R5,000, and people are not taking the news quietly.

Dr Johnstone Makhubu, who became SARS Commissioner on 1 May 2026, confirmed the shift in strategy. South Africa is owed hundreds of billions in outstanding tax revenue, and his team has set a target of collecting R126 billion this year. To get there, SARS is casting a much wider net.

Final notices landing in ordinary inboxes

Taxpayers who owe money are now receiving final warning letters, giving them a strict 10-day window to either settle their debt or respond. Those who choose to ignore the notices face serious consequences. SARS can reportedly debit money directly from a person's bank account without prior warning, and business directors can find their personal finances targeted as well.

Makhubu also addressed taxpayers who attempt to claim financial hardship to reduce what they owe. He said nearly 90% of compromise applications are rejected because SARS's systems can accurately determine what funds a person actually holds.

The announcement, shared widely by Nhlanhla Lux on Facebook, quickly stirred strong reactions from South Africans who feel the focus is misplaced.

Mzansi reacts to the SARS crackdown

South Africans had plenty to say in the comments section on the Facebook page:

@Farrell Sibongiseni Shusha wrote:

"They are collecting to make sure that asylum seekers are taken care of, and their demands are met."

@Dineo Skosana said:

"He should start with foreigners running spaza shops."

@Dakile Faku joked:

"I'm now moving to Cyril Ramaphosa banking style, under the couch or bed 😎😎"

@Setaki Phineas Mokobane added:

"Get the sharks first, before sardines."

@Justin Lee Varga commented:

"How about chasing politicians that own property way above their pay grade. Leave the small fry alone."

@Loveyj Gwevani suggested:

"Let him start on Parliament followed by public servants then all citizens."

@Mathabatha Calimero Malope quipped:

"Mattress is the solution, no device can see it."

@Thuso Bobby concluded:

"SARS is fighting with citizens like what ANC is doing."

See the post below:

More on SARS and South African taxpayers

• Briefly News recently reported that SARS set 23 October as a key 2026 Filing Season deadline, with non-provisional taxpayers needing to file by then.
• A Cape Town entrepreneur shared a cheeky reaction after spotting a SARS vehicle at a Western Cape petrol station, prompting jokes from South Africans.
• South Africans have been warned that routine transfers between their own bank accounts could attract SARS scrutiny if the payments are unexplained.

Source: Briefly News

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